Timo Werner rejected Manchester United approach as Chelsea striker opted to rejoin RB Leipzig this summer
Manchester United held talks with former Chelsea striker Timo Werner this summer, according to Bild (h/t Express). The former Blues striker was an option the Red Devils were looking at to bolster the attack.
But the German turned down the chance to work under Erik ten Hag in Manchester. Instead, Werner opted to rejoin former club RB Leipzig, where he played his best football previously.
The Dutch manager supposedly wanted the German for the injection of pace he brings to the game. The 26-year-old was decent for our Premier League rivals. But fans who’ve seen him play regularly know that Wener has had problems in front of the goal for the Stamford Bridge side.
In the Germany international’s first spell at Leipzig, the 26-year-old had established himself as a prolific goalscorer. Werner scored 95 goals in 159 appearances for Die Roten Bullen between 2016 and 2020.
The Leipzig striker has also amassed 53 caps for the German national side, scoring 24 goals. Werner is a decent player, but the 26-year-old’s stock took a hit with his time in England.
United have been after forwards this summer to add numbers in the attack. It’s not known yet whether Cristiano Ronaldo will stay. So, the Manchester-based club have been tentatively looking at options.
Regardless, the Red Devils should’ve already brought in a centre-forward this summer. The Brighton & Hove Albion game reflected the lack of foresight at the club. Anthony Martial’s injury, coupled with the 37-year-old’s absence for most of the pre-season, meant Ten Hag lacked a match-fit centre-forward.
The Dutch manager opted to start with Christian Eriksen in the number nine position. However, we lacked any sort of penetration in the first half against the Seagulls. Ronaldo did feature in the second half, but we weren’t able to salvage a result.
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Werner might not have the best of reputations in England, but there’s no doubt that the player has some fascinating abilities. The German’s pace is his biggest asset, and United right now appear to lack that up front.
